10 pairs of glasses that stand the test of time.

November 5, 2026 | Arches

Truly great design stands the test of time. It’s like buying an expensive armchair or investing in a really fine watch or handbag. We’ve therefore chosen to list 10 classic spectacle frames that stand the test of time. Classics that we keep coming back to and love, and which can be found in families for generations.

Here we list the eyewear world’s 10 best classics!

Mr

Classic round metal glasses

The venerable Savile Row from London. True classics that never go out of fashion. It’s almost difficult to pick just one pair here; we’d probably be better off focusing on the classic round metal frames. If there’s one brand that knows how to do classic round metal frames, it’s Savile Row. You’ll no doubt recognise them both on various artists and in films, which is hardly surprising.

Moscot Lemtosh

The family-owned New York brand Moscot, and the Lemtosh model in particular, is an icon that has been loved for generations by both international celebrities and fashion-conscious men around the world. It was designed in the 1950s, but its simple yet unique shape means you never tire of it, and it is occasionally reissued in new colours that enhance its look even further. It is a frame that has even been given its very own blog post: ‘Moscot Lemtosh’.

Cutler and Gross CGOP-1394_pilot sunglasses

Cutler&Gross CG 0822, CG1394 & GR15

These 1960s-inspired frames give a cool look, and the CG 0822 is also famous for its appearance in the film *The Kingsman*. London-based Cutler & Gross has always succeeded in combining classic style with a slightly more daring twist and has long been a favourite in the fashion world. Two other models from Cutler & Gross that might be worth checking out are the CG1394 and GR15, which take the style a step further.

Saint Laurent SL574

As a fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent has left a lasting mark on posterity with his classic yet distinctive style. This model is based on a pair of glasses that Yves himself wore in his day, but with a sleeker design to ensure the frames remain lightweight despite their striking appearance.

Oscar Magnuson Harrie

Oscar Magnuson is a classic brand that’s doing really well. Here’s a classic round acetate frame called Harrie. The frames feature no large logos, just like the rest of the Oscar Magnuson range.

Classic men’s glasses

If you’re looking for a pair of classic men’s glasses, we’d recommend taking a closer look at some of the brands listed below. All of them have a long history and specialise in classic styles. Moscot, for example, offers the Lemtosh, Miltzen and Zolman models. Oliver Peoples, for example, has the O’Malley and Gregory Peck ranges. Cutler and Gross has plenty of slightly more distinctive frames if you feel like being a bit more daring whilst still staying within the classic style. Savile Row – well, there you’ll find a wealth of classic glasses. All these brands also offer handmade frames and are truly excellent when it comes to quality, which can be just as important when choosing a classic style.

So, there was this business about the list of the top 10 classics in the world of eyewear. We can’t exactly leave here without a list, though I haven’t ranked them myself. I’ll leave that to the more enthusiastic readers to do on their own or in small groups.

The 10 Best Classics in the World of Eyewear

Women’s

Women’s fashion differs slightly from men’s fashion and is more trend-driven, but there are styles that always feel contemporary, albeit in many new variations over time.

Classic round ball game

Intellectual or cool ’70s style? Depending on the size and design, this classic shape can suit many different styles. If you make it a bit larger and tint the lenses, it takes on a bohemian-chic vibe; or, if you stick to a smaller size, it comes across as a bit more arty and smart. Ahlem and Götti are two brands that do this well – do have a look at them if you like the style.

E.g. Vasuma Snok or the numerous arches at Ahlem and Götti.

The Classic

The classic Celine Baby Audrey in an optical version. It never goes out of fashion, and many happy women wear this frame. Quite simply, it’s a great classic to have in your eyewear collection.

e.g. Celine CL50086i

Pilot

The classic aviator frame, in its original form, has a slightly more teardrop-shaped silhouette and actually suits a man’s face better. Today’s slightly less ‘stern’ aviator is more feminine and rounded, making it a real favourite with many girls. For those of you interested in aviator sunglasses, we’ve put together a whole post featuring loads of stylish aviator frames. Do have a read of “Aviator Sunglasses – A Complete Guide” for more inspiration.

E.g. Vasuma Eggeater and Götti Gerard

Cateye

A true icon that first came into its own in the 1940s – we all remember the old Hollywood stars who dazzled in this iconic look. A very flattering shape that accentuates the cheekbones and creates a feminine look with a touch of attitude. Tom Ford is a brand that often features stylish cat-eye frames in its collections.

E.g. Tom Ford TF 5990-B and Tom Ford TF6091-B.

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